Depression and Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
You are not depressed when you feel sad for a day or two; you are depressed when you experience a prolonged period of sadness that interferes with your ability to function.
Depression occurs because of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. It is an illness.
And it is highly treatable.
Unfortunately, many people do not receive treatment for depression, and thus are at risk for suicide.
If you or have some of these symptoms below, please seek help immediately:
- Feeling sad for two or more weeks
- Feeling lethargic -- feeling like you have no energy
- Unable to concentrate
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
- Feeling worthless
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling helpless
- Feeling negative or pessimisstic
- Losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
- Crying frequently
- Withdrawing from others
- Neglecting personal appearance
- Feeling angry
- Feeling guilty
- Unable to think clearly
- Unable to make decisions
Basically, if "the blues" do not go away after two weeks, you probably have depression.
And you need to get treatment. So please make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist so you may be properly evaluated. Many people do not think of going to a medical doctor when they are depressed, but it is an important step because there could be a physical problem beside the chemical imbalance that is causing the depression.
And please get into therapy. If the therapist believes that you need medication he or she can refer you to someone.
Get help now.
Get treatment now.
Many people who have depression do not get help. So please, do the right thing and make those appointments.
Again, you may need to take medication. So, please leave that option open. People take medication all of the time for a variety of ailments, why should taking medication for depression be any different?
And please understand that when you are depressed that you affect the people around you. So get help for your loved ones as well as yourself. If you need to take medication,
then you should do so. You can ask the doctor and therapist all of the questions that you can think of. And you can do your own research. You can seek a second and even a third opinion. But the bottom line is that you need to do what is necessary to get better.
You might believe that you could never become suicidal, but protracted, untreated depression will make almost anyone suicidal, including you. So take action now. If you are depressed, make those appointments immediately.
If finances are holding you back, then look for low-priced clinics in your community.
Call 1-800-SUICIDE for referrals.
If you are not depressed but know someone who is, please make sure that he or she receives help. Remember that untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide, so immediate action is required.
Take action--
Force yourself to take action.
People care about you.
So please take action now.
And please read the following articles for additional information about depression.
People With Depression Cannot "Snap Out Of It"
"It's Not That Bad" is the Wrong Thing to Say to Someone Who is Depressed or Suicidal
I Think I Have Depression What Should I do?
Depression Information
Depression and Exercise
Depression and Your Diet
Morbid Obesity, Depression, and Suicide
Depression and Vitamins
Depression Distorts Your Thinking
Depression and Dietary Supplements
Brain Images Show Different Therapies for Depression Affect Different Areas of the Brain
Treating Depression with SSRIs
Why do Antidepressants Cause Side Effects in Some People and Not in Others?
Patients on Antidepressants Need to be Monitored Very Closely During Their First Month of Treatment
What You Need to Know if Your Child or Teen May Need Antidepressants
Are Antidepressants Safe for Children? Can They Cause Suicide?
Antidepressants Help Protect Hippocampus, an Important Brain Structure
Many Pregnant Women Suffer From Depression; Few Get Treatment; A Suicide Risk
Seniors Need to Stay Active to Fight Depression
Australian Doctors Help Reduce Elderly Suicide Rate By Recognizing and Treating Depression
Vascular Depression in the Elderly; A Suicide Risk
Study Shows Brain Difference in Those With Treatment-Resistant Depression
MRI Scans May Temporarily Relieve Depression; May be Used on People Who are Suicidal
When Will My Depression End?
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If you are suicidal, immediate action is required; so please
read the information on the home page of this website and take action.
Thank you,
Kevin Caruso